Sanspo is saying (a report filed on 2/8 @ 5:01am) that the Pittsburgh Pirates could be a likely destination for Takahashi. And it seems they're offering him a similar deal that they offered Masumi Kuwata. That is, a split contract.

To expand...

Kuwata was offered a minor deal worth $50,000 with a clause that stated his contract would jump to $650,000 if he gets called up to the MLB roster.

This type of offer could potentially be the best Takahashi will get. I just don't really see MLB teams offering him an MLB deal right out of the gate, especially if he's adamant about being starter.

Incidentally, the Sanspo article also mentions that someone with the Giants said that they never received a reply from the Takahashi camp and that they feel he'll sign elsewhere.

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Toshihisa Nishi doesn't care if he gets a minor league or an invite, so long as he can get his foot in the door. He feels that if he's given a chance, he can prove that he can still play. Nishi also told reporters that he's not sure if it would be worth his time to play for any independent league teams.